Remembering James K. Glidden

The Inquirer and Mirror invites family and friends of James K. Glidden to share their memories in this space.

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• Mr. Glidden was my boss, my mentor, my law partner and my friend. He was a fine lawyer of great character with a memory for names, family lineages, dates and properties on Nantucket that was incomparable! He was more than a lawyer on the island; he was an institution. As his good friend, Jim Welch, described it to me, “There was a time when Jimmy Glidden was town government.” I can also remember in 1984 when he finished the basement at the office and filled it with filing cabinets. They stood like a monument to his more than 40 years of practice. It was impressive for any business. I, however, will remember him more as the good man he was – for the homemade Christmas presents, for his help digging fence posts with his own invention hooked to the end of a hose, for his advice on life and on the best scallop beds, for his grace on the dance floor with Mary on Saturday nights, and for his booming voice, his sailor’s vocabulary, and his giant, tender heart. We will miss you, indeed, Mr. Glidden. You were the “finest kind!”

David J. Moretti, Mokhiber & Moretti, LLC

• Jim Glidden will be long remembered in Nantucket. He was always a good lawyer, and a good citizen in town. In the days when life was much simpler, he served as a selectman, and as secretary of the board. He managed most of the town business, from a small office in the Sanford House, where he also practiced law, did his own typing and handled every town department – for about $3,000 a year. He was always friendly, helpful and available. They do not make them like that any more. Nantucket will miss him.

Robert F. Mooney

• James K. was one of the locals who gathered at the “Bench” early each morning to start the day. While others shared stories and offered up their opinions on a variety of subjects, Jimmy would likely listen until asked his opinion. Only then would he offer the briefest of comments and that usually ended the discussion on that subject. The last time I spoke with James K. was late last summer. As I approached the stop sign next to his house I noticed he was sitting on the front porch, surrounded by several generations of Gliddens. I stopped to say hello. I stood next to him for a few minutes listening to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends talk about their family. When I had the opportunity to speak I said to Jimmy, “You know James K. you were my first lawyer on Nantucket when I arrived 40 years ago, shortly thereafter you passed me off to your son Richard who ably handled my affairs for several years, and now he has passed me off to your granddaughter Jessie for some work. What do you think of that?” He looked up with a smile and said, “That’s something isn’t it?” No doubt he was proud to have his son and granddaughter in the firm. A wonderful life for a wonderful man. We will miss you, James.

Steve McCluskey

• I have many fond memories of Mr. Glidden in the Registry. Paul and I send our condolences to all of his family. Joanne Kelley

• Jimmy Glidden was one of Nantucket's most respected leading citizens. Not only was he a terrific husband and family man but from his lifeguard days through his Board of Selectmen service he maintained a great legal mind coupled with a keen sense of humor. With a twinkle, his opening at a real estate closing was often "Who's got the money?" Although we sometimes differed, it never became personal. Jimmy will be missed. David E. Webster

• You say Jimmy and I think gentleman, nice guy. He was my mother's attorney before I was even born. I got to know him a little bit and enjoy him a big bit when we were dealing with my aunt and uncle's affairs. He was soothing in times of stress. As I mentioned before, a gentleman. He made the unbearable slightly more bearable. He surprised and enchanted me with stories about my relatives. Bits of a past that I wasn't aware of. Imagine or remember Nantucket in the late 1940s. He remembered. We shared a few laughs over some of them. A few almost-tears also. A very interesting and interested man indeed... He always inquired about my father. And I would always tell him he was the younger one so he couldn't complain. We laughed about that too. Tonight, at the wake, I saw three of his sons. I saw him in them and that is how it should be. He lives on. In our heart and memory. But damn, it would be more fun to see him downtown in the flesh. Love to all who loved him. Barbara Vigneau

• "James K." Jimmy Glidden was an islander whose recollections of days and persons gone by were encyclopedic and a special gift when shared with his carefully-selected listeners. He was an absolute delight to bump into occasionally as he walked between his house and office or on his way down Broad Street to the Town Building. Jimmy’s love of, pride in, and involvement with his family and community should be a model for all. Jim Lentowski

• I shall ever remember "James K" as a vibrant, interested man. Interested in his family, his community, in current events, and in everyone around him. It was a privilege to observe the close and loving relationship that he shared with his darling Mary. They were an inspiration to all us "hopefully-happily-ever-after-married's." A tremendous loss to us all, but particularly for those he loved most: His wonderful family.

Catherine Flanagan Stover

• I worked for Mr. Glidden for a brief period. He was always a kind and patient man. He took the time to explain the work and always took an interest in what was happening in my life. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. I learned a lot from him during the time I worked in his office. My warmest regards are with his family and close friends during this time.

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